First things first, this entry might not interest the Viennese/Austrian natives. As it deeply concerns the immigrants who are considering an Austrian citizenship.
It is going to happen. This “Wissenstest über das Heimatland.” It sounds absurd, yes. But it is part of the changing political climate in Austria. And the whole Europe, for that matter.

Newer laws, stricter laws, old music, old issues.

So if you are contemplating to change your nationality, consider this–an examination on how well you know about Vienna and Austria, if you are an immigrant wanting to be Austrian in Vienna.

They are planning to stage the first testing in June. So, yeah, watch out.

“The city´s office for integration issues has given an example of questions which can be expected: What is another name for Vienna´s first district (italicised mine)? Applicants will be asked six questions from the Vienna list and 12 questions from a list about the rest of Austria. The Vienna list is still being compiled, but city officials say the first tests could be administered as early as June.” That’s according to Wiener Zeitung.

Kurier, a week ago, published a few samples of the alleged questions. And yes once again, even the natives themselves admit that they could be stripped of their citizenship as the questions are that ridiculous and unnecessary.

(Yesterday, a Viennese colleague even asked what does “sappalot” (spelling?) mean? What does it mean really and where does it come from? I am reading the book “Sprechen Sie Wienerisch?” by Peter Wehle and I cannot find it hoping that it is a typical Wien thing.)

Moreover this new program costs a lot of money and it won’t stop people from coming. Certainly not at all.
They are about to print the so-called Leitfaden (manual, guide) of details of information regarding Austrian and Viennese history, etc.–facts and figures–for the applicants to study and learn.

Even those people who applied last year and are waiting for the results have to undergo the same test.
If you are following the developments in Los Angeles and the US government’s need to change its immigrants laws then you are certainly right on track. Why does Europe have to follow the American way? For years this is one of the standard requirements of the Land of the Free (aside from waiting for more than a decade) in order to filter the would-be Americans from staying and living there. But still the “supposed problem” is still evident.
Austria’s neighbour, Germany, has already prepared the questions for each province. So I’ve heard.

Honestly I was seriously thinking of this option after my son was born. After finding out this news, my oh my, I thought I was dreaming.

Definitely a thumbs-down.

(photo courtesy of www.wien.at)

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1. Austrian pirate party founded
2. Is there such a thing called Austrian syndrome?
3. Austrian Health and Austrian Data
4. the impossibility of waiting lines in the viennese mind. / senior citizen suck-a-thon
5. Herbert Haupt and his coma